I Didn’t Like You

On July 14, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, friends, love1 Comment

Dear friend,

I am writing this today to be honest with you. I hope you know you are near and dear to my heart now but when I first met you I didn’t like you. When I first saw you I didn’t like the way you looked. I turned away from you and didn’t give you a chance. The second time I saw you you were with a group of people I knew so I came over to talk to everyone. I didn’t like the sound of your voice or how you laughed- at everything. The third time I saw you were just sitting there staring out into space. I was like what’s up with this guy but for some reason I was compelled to sit beside you. We didn’t even say a word. Funny when you look back on it since I can’t stop talking to you now. The fourth time I saw you I actually introduced myself. I remember it felt kind of awkward since we have been together before but I didn’t even know your name yet. I don’t know why but it came as a surpise to me that my favorite NFL team was also yours. Not many Dallas Cowboy fans in Ohio. I almost quit talking to you when you told me you were from Michigan and liked that team up north.

I remember I didn’t see you for a few months after that. I asked around but it seemed like no one knew where you went. You just disappeared. When you came back you weren’t the same. I could tell something was going on but I am not one to pry. As you know I am an introvert and I don’t reach out easily. We didn’t really have any conversations for awhile. Just the occasional hi, how are you, see ya later, keep in touch. Every time I thought to get more involved and invest some time in you, fear kept me from opening up. I could see you were hurting but I didn’t know what to say. I am so sorry I let you go through that alone.

I then met a girl and she was a Christian. I didn’t know much about God or praying and the have not but she invited me to go to her church. I was reluctant at first but I really liked her. I finally gave in and went. That first time was a little awkward but I could feel something. It was like someone was pulling me. The second time I went I opened the Bible and the page it opened to was in the book of Job.

It was like God was talking to me about you. Then I flipped through the pages and stopped. It stopped on Ecclesiastes 4.

Even a doubter like me was starting to think something was going on here. I said ok God, third time is a charm. I shut the Bible then opened it up and you would not believe where I opened it up to. 1 John 3:17.

Just for kicks I said one more time and I opened the Bible to 1 Thessalonians

God was giving me a message.

I asked this girl about prayer. She told me she prays all the time. Prays for me, her family, strangers, friends, her dog, her old rickety car to last one more day, etc.. I was thinking if she can pray for all those things all the time it can’t be that hard. My first prayer was “Dear God” and that was it. I couldn’t think of anything else to say. What kind of person am I? She told me not to give up, God knows what I need before I do. He knows what I will say before I do. I laughed, so what’s the point of asking for something He already knows I need. I think I offended her but she was patient with me. I was really falling in love with her. I kept trying and I got past the “Dear God” part and I prayed for you. I prayed that whatever you are going through that you will be okay. I asked her if it was selfish to pray for myself and she smiled and said heck no, I pray for myself all the time. I then prayed for me. I prayed that God would give me the courage and the words to say to you to help you.

As you know it’s been ten years since I reached out to you. You know I married that girl and that we have four girls now. I am so sorry I waited so long to talk to you. I know I wasted a lot of time that I can never get back. I know that I missed hours and days of laughter and tears with you, even though I still didn’t like the way you laughed. I know you are a loving, special, awesome person who changed me for the better. You made me a better person. You taught me a lot about God, hope, faith, family. You are like a brother to me.

I miss you. I can’t believe I let you go through that alone. All because I was afraid. I can’t believe today is the 9th anniversary of your death. I can’t believe you have been with God for 9 years now. I can’t believe I only had one year to truly get to know you. Even when you were at your weakest you were the strongest person I have ever met. Thank you for being my friend.

Hard to believe I didn’t like you at first.

P.S. Until I see you again I will talk to you all the time. Don’t laugh. You know I don’t like your laugh. Okay, your laugh isn’t all that bad. Thinking of you all the time my dear friend. I love you.

Your friend,

Rob

I don’t know where this letter came from. My original intent was to write about songs I didn’t like at first. Then I started to type and God put the words in my head. I don’t even know what songs to put on here now. I do have lyrics to a song I am trying to get out there on this topic.

I’ve decided no music today. You’ve had a lot over last few days anyway. Today we will just reflect. How many times have you not liked someone because of the way they looked, the clothes they wore, the food they ate, the color of their skin, their disability, the way they talked or laughed? How many times have you not liked someone because they weren’t like you? The list to not like someone is long but the list to like someone is short.

Jesus hung out with tax collectors, lepers, adulterers, women, sinners – just like you and me. What if Jesus said I can’t be your friend because….?

The Original

On July 13, 2015August 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, God, musicLeave a comment

Have you ever heard a remake of a song and thought that isn’t as good as the original. What about a movie? Some remakes are better than the original. I believe though that most remakes aren’t as good. Sometimes I have to think about it though. I mean, if an original was 30 years ago and the remake comes out now look at how much technology has changed. The action scenes might be better. The acting may even be better. I go back and watch the original again and say hhmm, the new version is better. Go back 30 years though and the first time I saw the original it was amazing. One of the best movies I have ever seen. If that is true, then how can the remake be even better? What about a song? That song that every time you hear it it takes you back to that time. Then a new version comes out. How do you feel about it? Do you feel like it is taking those memories from you or are you open to new memories being made with the new version?

Times they are a changing my friend. Perceptions change as we get older. A new director can give a new spin on part of or all of the story line. One of your favorite singers now could remake a song from one of your favorite singers then. They could slow it down or speed it up, give a new twist to the song. They may add a new verse to make it more now. Whatever the reasons, sometimes the remake is better than the original. Sometimes it is not.

We all have one original. One tried and true person in our life that there will never be a remake of. There will be many that will try to imitate Him. There will be many false teachers, false prophets, and false words.

There is only one King, one Lord, one Savior. There is only one God. There has never been anyone else like Him nor will there ever be anyone else like Him in the future. He is original and unique.

God made us to be original. He made us to be unique. He made us in His image. No one else in this world is like you or me. No one else has my, or your, exact personality, exact gifts, exact DNA. He doesn’t want you to live your life trying to be like this celebrity or that star. Not all of us are called to be famous. We are called to do the work God has assigned to us specifically. My words are not the most elegant but I believe God will use them for His good.

I urge you my friends to be YOU. No one else is like you so why try to be like someone else. Sometimes it will be hard being you but all you have to remember is the One who made you to be in His image. You won’t always like yourselves. I don’t always like myself, especially when I mess up. I know that even when I mess up and even when I don’t like myself there is someone who loves me, forgives me, and who wants me to follow Him and do the work He set for me to do.

Even though there are many cover songs, these are a few that I like. Of course some are from the tv shows Stalker and Grey’s Anatomy. and I really like the duets with Boyce Avenue. Not saying any of these songs are better than originals, just different.

Careless Whisper by Shinedown –

Careless Whisper by Wham –

Be My Baby by Snowhill –

Be My Baby by the Ronettes –

Fast Car by Boyce Avenue feat Kinna Grannis –

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman –

Simple Man by Shinedown –

Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd –

Every Breath You Take by Denmark & Winter –

Every Breath You Take by the Police –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Jax –

You Give Love A Bad Name by Bon Jovi –

Heaven by Boyce Avenue feat Megan Nicole –

Heaven by Bryan Adams –

I Want You To Want Me by Gary Jules –

I Want You to Want Me by Cheap Trick –

Roar by Boyce Avenue and Bea Miller –

Roar by Katy Perry –

Time After Time by Quietdrive –

Time After Time by Cyndi Lauper –

Fame by Mree –

Fame by Irene Cara –

Man in the Mirror by J2 –

Man in the Mirror by Michael Jackson –

and of course the old hymns that I don’t have originals on but..

Amazing Grace by Chris Tomlin –

It Is Well by Matt Redman –

Come Thou Fount by David Crowder Band –

Be Thou My Vision by Rend Collective –

Jesus Paid It All by Newsboys –

I’m With The Band, I’m With The Team

On July 12, 2015July 30, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, teamLeave a comment

I’m ~~with~~ the band. I’m ~~with~~ the team.

Big difference if you take out a word.

Why do bands break up? Egos, creative differences, age, family, money, or maybe they just give up. After trying for so many years to make it, they just give up. Get tired of trying. The lead singer could think they are better than the band and could do better on their own. If they are successful maybe they get addicted to success, or other things, that take them away from the main purpose they started the band for in the first place.

What about athletes? How many times have their been athletes that had a few good years with one team then their contract is up and they leave to go somewhere else for more money and they aren’t as successful. How many times has the team they had been so loyal to thought they were no longer good enough and traded them away?

I have left my band before. I thought I would do better on my own. Why would I need these other guys when I can do it all myself. The problem ended up being even when I was a solo artist, I still couldn’t play all the instruments myself. I still had to have other members in my band, some I didn’t even like as much as the original members.

I have left my team before. I walked away to think the grass was greener on the other side. I was so much better than my team. It turned out my team was better after I left it. It turned out that maybe I was the problem.I have questioned my coaches decisions. I have demanded a trade when the team didn’t succeed. I have told the coach I was done. I was the one that wanted to do whatever I wanted to do. I was so good I didn’t want to practice too hard. I was so good that I didn’t need to listen to my coach or my other teammates. I was so…

Of course these are just metaphors. I have never been in a band or been that great on a team. But I have gone through these things in my walk of faith. I thought I didn’t need anyone else, that I could do this on my own. I thought I could do whatever I wanted and not have any consequences. Instead of trying to take care of my yard, water it, fertilize it, spend time taking care of and helping it, I have gone to where the grass was greener. Only to have it turn brown and my old grass flourished without me.

Image result for famous sports quotes

That is no longer me. I know I need my band members and my teammates. I know I need to spend the time nourishing the relationships I have now. I know I can’t do this on my own. I know I am only a single part of a bigger thing in my life. My walk with God is bigger than me. God will always be loyal to me. He will never trade me away. He may bench me if I fall out of line and that is the price I will pay to be on His team. I know I need to be benched sometimes and I know I have to do what is right for the good of the team to get my starting position back. I also need you, my teammates, to pick me up when I fail, to encourage me when I am injured, to put me in line when I fall out, to give me advice when I need it.

I have a lead singer. I have a head coach. I love being in this band I am in. I love being on the team that I am on. I don’t have to be the star. I just need to do my part. The part that my coach, Jesus, has called me to do. I don’t have to be the whole team, God has given me and each of you a talent to help our team succeed and thrive. When we each listen to God and do our part, we will defeat our enemy. God doesn’t need us on His team, He WANTS us on His team. Will you quit being a free agent and come to our team? I guarantee no other team will win as many battles as our team will.

Hold My Hand by Hootie and the Blowfish –

So I Sang by Darius Rucker –

Right Now by Van Halen – I liked Van Halen better with Sammy than Dave.

Give To Live by Sammy Hagar –

Baby Girl by Sugarland –

Me Without You by Jennifer Nettles –

Trailer Hitch by Kristian Bush –

Push by Matchbox Twenty –

Her Diamonds By Rob Thomas –

When I Look To The Sky by Train –

Two Ways To Say Goodbye by Pat Monahan –

If You Could Only See by Tonic –

If You’re Gonna Leave by Emerson Hart –

Carry On by Fun –

Nothing Without Love by Nate Ruess –

Higher by Creed –

Only One by Scott Stapp –

He Reigns by Newsboys –

I’m Alive by Peter Furler –

It’s Been Awhile by Staind –

Red White and Blue by Aaron Lewis –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/10/15 – New music Friday

On July 11, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

Sorry a day late. Crazy days at work last few days.

My Only Answer by Austin Adamec –

Change My Life by Nightcore –

Gone by Bebe Rexha –

Say Goodbye by Something To Burn –

They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That Anymore by Jason Blaine –

Forever I Will by Lonnie Hunter –

Don’t Let Me Down by Amel Larrieux –

Speaking Up, Standing Up

On July 9, 2015September 25, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, music, stand up for Jesus, teslaLeave a comment

When my oldest daughter Kayhla was four years old she stole a pack of gum from the grocery store. We were grocery shopping and when we got home, she had it in her pants. Of course, she didn’t know it was stealing but I had a choice. I could laugh about it and let her have it or I could take her back to the store and let her give it back to the manager and explain what happened. I took her back and explained what happened and everything was okay. It is something we remember to this day. I call that a teachable moment. What would you have done?

Now I have a question for you. Who invented the radio? Growing up you no doubt heard Marconi. All the school books say he did so it has to be true. They are wrong. Nikola Tesla invented the radio.

Kylie brought home her science book and we were going over it together and when it came to Marconi invented the radio I told her that was wrong. She asked “how can it be wrong if it is in my school book?” I told her about Tesla inventing it and showed her on the internet. Being the smart nine year old she is she said “you can’t believe everything on the internet.” I told her she was right but to trust me. I did a report on Tesla in high school and college and I know it is right. I did some more research to show her that even the US Government Patent Office declared Marconi’s patent invalid in 1943.

Kylie went to school the next day and told her teacher the book was not correct. Her teacher looked it up on the internet and was astonished that she had never heard of Tesla before or that he had invented the radio. Kylie told me when she went up to her teacher her hands were sweating and she felt like she was going to get sick. She stood up for the truth.

‘In December 1901, Marconi established wireless communication between Britain and the Newfoundland, Canada, earning him the Nobel prize in 1909. But much of Marconi’s work was not original. The Brandley coherer increased the distance messages could be transmitted. The coherer was perfected by Marconi. However, the heart of radio transmission is based upon four tuned circuits for transmitting and receiving. It is Tesla’s original concept demonstrated in his famous lecture at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia in 1893. The four circuits, used in two pairs, are still a fundamental part of all radio and television equipment. The United States Supreme Court, in 1943 held Marconi’s most important patent invalid, recognizing Tesla’s more significant contribution as the inventor of radio technology.’ – Tesla Society

He also invented AC current, developed the technology for the light bulb forty years before Edison (his had neon lights) and the theory for our current smartphones – in 1926.

Tesla

So, why am I giving you a history lesson on Nikola Tesla? Because most people have never heard of him. They don’t know what he did and how it has impacted our lives today. Sound familiar?

Most people have not heard of Jesus Christ. They don’t know what he did and how it can affect their lives today and in the future. Some people that have heard of Jesus say he isn’t really God. That He was just a man, even though there is a ton of evidence from non-Christian sources to the contrary.

‘Let’s summarize what we’ve learned about Jesus from this examination of ancient non-Christian sources. First, both Josephus and Lucian indicate that Jesus was regarded as wise. Second, Pliny, the Talmud, and Lucian imply He was a powerful and revered teacher. Third, both Josephus and the Talmud indicate He performed miraculous feats. Fourth, Tacitus, Josephus, the Talmud, and Lucian all mention that He was crucified. Tacitus and Josephus say this occurred under Pontius Pilate. And the Talmud declares it happened on the eve of Passover. Fifth, there are possible references to the Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection in both Tacitus and Josephus. Sixth, Josephus records that Jesus’ followers believed He was the Christ, or Messiah. And finally, both Pliny and Lucian indicate that Christians worshipped Jesus as God!’ -excerpt from Ancient Evidence for Jesus from Non-Christian Sources by Michael Gleghorn.

All the historical people named above really existed and no one doubts that they did. They wrote about Jesus, the dates they wrote about Him and what He did match with the dates in the Bible that Matthew, Luke, Mark, John, Peter, etc. wrote about Jesus. So why do people still doubt the fact that Jesus was real and did what the Bible says He did?

Maybe it is because people like me haven’t taken a stand for Jesus. I haven’t talked about Him enough to others that don’t know Him. I have many times taken a stand and talked about Tesla. I have many times taken a stand and talked about my favorite sports team/athlete. How many times have I taken a stand and talked about Jesus?

How many times have you?

Edison’s Medicine by Tesla –

Hold You Up by Shane Harper –

Speaking Louder Than Before by Jeremy Camp –

Until The Whole World Hears by Casting Crowns –

I’ll Breathe For You by Decyfer Down –

Stand Out by Tye Tribbett –

Love You With The Truth by Casting Crowns –

Let It Shine by Tyler James Williams –

God’s People Stand Up by Holinite –

Running For God – Motivational

What Are Waiting For by Matt Papa –

Stick to Your Guns by Scarlet White –

Fix My Eyes by For King and Country –

We Are by Thousand Foot Krutch –

More Than Conquerors by Never Forsaken –

Is It You?

On July 8, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Be somebody, change the world, Christian life, music4 Comments

Is it you? Is it me? Who will change the world? You never know how the Holy Spirit will work through you. Today, maybe only ten people will read these words. Tomorrow, maybe a million. The Holy Spirit could lead someone who reads my words to change the world. You say one person can’t change the world. I used to believe that. I am only one person, what can I do? Now I say why not me! I may never see the results of what I do today but I have faith in my God that He will use them to touch someone that can change the world.

Martin Luther King Jr., Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Isaac Newton, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Jesus Christ and many more. All people who changed the world. I believe that there is one person out there right now that will turn our world around.

Have you heard of Clara Barton? She was a shy, timid child, afraid of strangers. At the age of fourteen she became a nurse. By the age of seventeen she was a schoolteacher with over forty students. She later founded the American Red Cross.

There are young girls at our church that are changing the world. Three sisters raised money to buy two cows for a village in Africa. There are other children that told relatives to not buy them presents for their birthdays but to donate money to the food container we shipped to that same village in Africa. A few years ago when my wife and I were going through some issues, our daughter would play Matthew 4:1-11 about Jesus not giving in to the devil’s temptations.

God will use you whether you are five or ninety-five. Are you open to hearing him? Age is not a restriction when it comes to doing good, doing the right thing.

Moses was not a good speaker. He was a murderer. He questioned God, but what if they don’t believe me, what if they don’t listen. Moses even asked God to send someone else. In the end, God used Moses, his strengths and his weaknesses, to further the kingdom of God. Exodus 4:1:13

What about Jonah? He told God no way, and ran away. Then God came to Jonah a second time and Jonah obeyed and spread the word of the Lord to the city of Nineveh, a very sinful city. Jonah 1-4

What about you? Is God telling you to do something and you are ignoring Him? Are you saying are you sure God, who am I to do this? Sorry God, I’m too busy right now, maybe later. Send someone else.

What about you? Are you the one that is keeping someone from doing what God wants them to do? Do you discourage instead of encourage? If someone came to you and said God wants me to…. what would you say?

God has given all of us abilities and talents. Some of us have five star talent, while others have one star. If you are a five star, are you helping the one stars get better? If you are a one star do you still do the most with the gifts that God has given you or do you give up, thinking you aren’t good enough? Michael Jordan cut from his middle school basketball team. What if he just gave up? Tom Brady drafted in the sixth round. What if he thought he wasn’t good enough to be a starting quarterback? Thomas Edison made 1,000 unsuccessful attempts at the light bulb before he was successful. What if he gave up after 999 failed attempts?

Romans 12:6-8: Romans 1268, God Words, Quote, Spiritual Gift, Scriptures, Time God, Bible Verses, Romans 12 6 8, Political Government

It is easy to fall into bad habits and once you start, it is hard to quit. They say the more bad you do you can become numb to doing bad. It just becomes a way of life. God can step in and change that way of life. Look at Paul. A persecutor of Christians who became a Christian and spread the word himself. Can you imagine that?

Likewise, once you start doing good, it is hard to stop doing good. Once you get over the fear, which is a major inhibitor and which I had to overcome to start letting others read my words, and you take that first step toward God, and you keep going forward you will experience more of God’s intentions for your life.

I am speaking now to the younger generation. Because of technology you have more freedom and more opportunities at your finger tips to do good, or bad. Are you being a cyber-bully or are you using your social media sites to spread good? Are you constantly looking down on your devices or do you look up to see this great big, wonderful world God has made for you? Are you following the ways of your boyfriend or girlfriend or friends in general? Do you step up and say I won’t do that when they do bad, even if they make fun of you? Are you going with the flow or are you going against the norm? If you never attempt to do hard things, things that stretch, grow and strengthen you, then how do you know what you can become?

If you treat an individual as he is he will remain as he is but if you treat him as if he were what he ought to be and could be he will become what he ought to be and could be

Are you being honest with yourself? Is how you spend your time now preparing you for the future? Are you just skating by, doing enough to make it? The choices you make today will prepare you to be the person you will be later on in life. Don’t let fear stop you. God is with you!

One person can change the world. Will it be you?

The Anthem by Jake Hamilton –

War Drums by Jake Hamilton – Someone in this generation is going to make a noise that is going to shake a nation

Rooftops by Jesus Culture –

Can’t Shut Up by Anthem Lights –

If You Say Go by Blanca –

Wasted Life by Seventh Day Slumber –

Man Up by Lecrae, KB, Trip Lee, Tedashii, Sho Baraka, PRo & Andy Mineo –

We Are Brave by Veridia –

You Make Me Brave by Bethel Music –

Brave by Sara Bareilles –

Brave by Moriah Peters –

Say Yes by Michelle Williams –

Stand Strong by Moriah Peters –

Stand Up by Mike Tompkins –

What I Believe In by Marky Silvers –

I’m Getting A Divorce

On July 7, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In anger, anxiety, Christian life, fear, forgiveness, guilt, hate, judgement, lies, music, negativity, pride, self-esteem, shame, temptation, worrying5 Comments

No, not from my wife. I am divorcing all the things in my life that take away from God’s purpose for my life. The list is long and I may fail on some but with the help of Jesus, I can end the relationships.

I am divorcing pride. He was been there too long. Not that I thought I was better than anyone else because I am not but the pride that I thought I didn’t need anyone else. The pride that told me I can do this by myself. The pride that kept me from reaching out to others for help. Proverbs 16:18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

I am divorcing negative thoughts. The ones that tell me I can’t do this. The ones that keep me from doing that. The ones that tell me people will think I am not good enough. The ones that tell me no one will read this anyway. Proverbs 15:26 The LORD detests the thoughts of the wicked, but those of the pure are pleasing to him.

I am divorcing negative words. I will no longer bring others down by the words I speak. I will speak words of encouragement, words of healing, words of truth, words of love. Job 4:4 Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees

I am divorcing fear. Fear that has kept me from talking. Fear that has kept me from doing. Fear that has kept me from living. Fear that has kept me in my box far too long.

I am divorcing not forgiving others. It is said that not forgiving someone is like drinking poison then waiting for the other person to die. I am tired of holding on to the pain, the anger, the hurt. It is not up to me to punish them. I have to forgive in order for me to live again. God is in control. How many times has he forgiven me? Luke 11:4 Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

I am divorcing going through the motions. I will no longer say I am okay or fine when you ask if I am not okay or fine. I will no longer say I will help and not. I will no longer say we should volunteer and not sign up. I will no longer live my life like a robot.

I am divorcing shame. Shame that has kept my secrets hidden. Shame that I am not wanted. I am divorcing the shame of my family not wanting me, the shame of my family controlling me and doing things they want so they will like me, the shame of my family giving me no boundaries, the shame of the family that abused me. (note: this isn’t my family. I have a wonderful family but this is for those that don’t). I did not deserve to be shamed by you and now I am divorcing you. Job 11:15 then you will lift up your face without shame; you will stand firm and without fear.

I am divorcing my past and my worries and anxiety about the future. My past does not define me and will not shape my future. My worries about the future only take away the joy of my today. I will live in the present. I will love each moment I have of today. I will live each day like it is a gift from God. 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

I am divorcing my selfish ways. I am going to give more of my time to my wife and children. I am going to give more of my time to my community. I am going to give more of time to my church. I will not be overwhelmed by the things I have to do. If I need 25 hours in day to get things done, God will show me how to do it. Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.

I am divorcing my low self-esteem. I am not who you say I am. I am wanted, accepted, and loved by my God, Jesus.

I am divorcing guilt. Guilt for the things I have done to others. Guilt for the things I have done to myself. I am not a bad person even though I have done bad things. Psalm 38:4 My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.

I am divorcing lies. Lies I have told and lies I have believed. I am divorcing the lies of this world. There is only one truth and that is the Word Of Jesus. Leviticus 19:11 ‘Do not steal. ” ‘Do not lie. ” ‘Do not deceive one another

I am divorcing anger and hate. I have been so mad at people that it has made me hate them. I have hated people I don’t even know for the things they have done to people I don’t even know. I have hated and been angered at those that hurt children. I have hated and been angered at those that have taken advantage of the elderly and the sick. It is not my job to put punishment on these people. God will have the final say. Deuteronomy 30:7 The LORD your God will put all these curses on your enemies who hate and persecute you

I am divorcing judgement. I have judged people on the way they look and the clothes they wear. I have judged people by the job they have and the places they live. One day that could be me. Mark 14:7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me

I am divorcing temptation. I am tempted way too often by way too many things. The devil will tempt me again but by the name of Jesus I will not fall for his deceptions and his lies. I will follow the truth. Matthew 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. and Matthew 26:41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.

Some of these I will be able to divorce easily and quickly. Some of these will be hard and take years. Will these ex’s try to sneak back into my life? Yes. Will I cheat on my new life by falling back to my old life? I pray not but only with the help of Jesus will I succeed. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

Lay Down My Pride by Jeremy Camp –

Speak Life by TobyMac –

Motions by Matthew West –

Dear X, You Don’t Own Me by Disciple –

We Fall Apart by We As Human –

Disconnected by Veridia –

Negative Positive by 3 Winans Brothers –

Shame by Keith Urban –

Why Worry by NewSong –

I Have A Friend

On July 6, 2015July 28, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, friends, Jesus, music, stand up for Jesus5 Comments

If you recall I mentioned in an earlier post that I don’t have any friends, none that I would call close anyway. It is all my fault, I am to blame, I take full responsibility. I never took the time to invest in anyone else. I was okay with just being by myself. I have since figured out that this isn’t the way God wants me to live. I can’t grow as a person or in my faith without the help of others.

It is easier to burn bridges than it is to rebuild them. Why would anyone trust me now? They got close to me once and look where it led them. I can’t blame them. One thing I do know about is forgiveness. Maybe one day they will forgive me.

Now let me tell you about my friend. He loves me when I don’t love him. He accepts me for who I am. He is there to encourage me when I am discouraged. He is there to carry me when I am worn out. He looks at me with compassion when I yell at him. He always has my back, even when I stab him in his. He forgives me, even when I don’t forgive myself. He picks me up when I fall down. He waits for me when I forget the plans we had together.

He serves me and teaches me how to serve others. He prays for me and has taught me how to pray. He is patient with me and has taught me how to be patient with others. He was tempted and has taught me how to have self-control and not to give into temptation -but when I do, he forgives me. He is humble and has taught me to be humble- and when I forget and think highly of myself he is quick to remind me why I have my talents and gifts.

He is always there for me. I can call on him at six in the morning or six in the evening. He answers my call at two in the morning or two in the afternoon. Sometimes his greatest answer is no. He is generous with his time and has taught me to be generous with mine – even though I am a work in progress on learning how to be more generous with mine. He has held my hand when no one else would.

Even with all those things, what he does most is what I think a true friend does. He tells me the truth. He tells me how it is even when he knows I won’t agree with what he says. He tells me that’s a bad decision then watches me make it. He tells me I will suffer the consequences if I do it, then watches me suffer the consequences. He never once tells me I told you so. He is always there to pull me closer when I push him away. He is committed to our relationship even when I am not so committed to him.

Would you like to have a friend like that? My friend told me to share him with you so now you have a friend like I do. His name is Jesus. Will you accept his friendship.

Oh, one last thing. My friend said he would die for me and he did.

Friend Like That by Hawk Nelson –

Me and Jesus by Stellar Kart –

Jesus, Friend of Sinners by Casting Crowns –

Give A Little Love by Noah the Whale –

My Friend Jesus by Newsboys –

New Friend Jesus by Craig Finn –

What A Friend We Have In Jesus by many but this one Alan Jackson –

Just Say Jesus by 7eventh Time Down –

Beer With Jesus by Thomas Rhett –

Jesus He Loves Me by Chris Tomlin –

I’ve Got Friends That Do by Tim McGraw –

Jesus Loves You by Stellar Kart –

Love Like Jesus by Rhett Walker Band –

Loyal by Lauren Daigle –

Without Jesus Here With Me by Holly Williams –

Have A Little Talk With Jesus by Brenda Lee –

Happy Fourth of July

On July 4, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In America, Christian life, freedom, music, rightsLeave a comment

Image result for pictures of american flag

Happy Fourth of July.

First and foremost I would like to thank all of our service men and women who have fought for our freedom. Who have given their time, their lives so that we can have the country that we have.

When I first started writing this I was going to go a different direction but God has lead me to make it more simple. I believe our country was founded on Christian beliefs. All men are created equal, we help those in need, we live in a morally correct way and treat others the way we want to be treated. Isaiah 1: 16-17 Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong.Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.

Our First Amendment rights to freedom of religion, speech, press, petition and assembly are under attack. We are free to believe or not to believe. We are free to be Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, or any other religion we want to participate in. We have the right to assemble, to gather and talk about our God. Neither the First Amendment nor the Constitution states seperation of church from state. With that being said, we, as Christians, are under attack and I don’t believe it will stop at just Christianity.

Why does one who doesn’t believe in God get to dictate those that do? I don’t ask them to pray in school if they don’t want to, I don’t ask them to take down their signs that say God doesn’t exist. If that’s what you want to believe then so be it. Yet, anytime someone expresses their belief in God in public, we get shot down. Take for example a high school in Kountz, Texas. The cheerleaders made signs using scripture like Romans 8:31, “If God is for us, who can be against us,” to take a stand for God. A Freedom From Religion group in Wisconsin is suing claiming violation of the First Amendment. The First Amendment gives these cheerleaders, and everyone else, this right. So why can these anti-religious groups take away our rights to say we believe in God? Again I say no where does it state seperation of church and state in the First Amendment or in the Constitution.

In Poteet, Texas ONE person changed a 99-year tradition to pray both before and after a high school graduation ceremony. The valedictorian — an atheist — complained, a pro-separation group intervened and applied legal pressure. If ONE person can change a 99 year history, why can’t the rest of the people that want the prayer be allowed to keep it?

Why can we teach evolution in schools but not creation? If we are going to make everything equal then….

Many people are suing to take God out of the Pledge Of Allegiance. We, as citizens of the United States of America, have the right to say it just as much as these people have the right not to say it.

Atheists have tried, unsuccesfully, to take God off the currency.

The last poll taken in 2014 posted on May 12, 2015 by Pew Research shows 70.6% of America view themselves as Christian, while 7.1% are atheist or agnostic. Yet, the majority are having to change their lives because of the minority and because our court systems are ruling, in most cases, in favor of the minority.

When did we as a country start letting the minority dictate the majority and why? The majority have been silent for too long.

Whether you believe or don’t believe is your choice. Why are you trying to take away my rights?

106 out of the first 108 universities founded in America were Christian. Harvard, being the first, had its first rule in the student handbook : “Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation for our children to follow the moral principles of the Ten Commandments.”

I believe our country has taken or is taking our freedom of religion away in order to create all men equal. If no one can say God, then everyone is equal. If we can’t say the Pledge of Allegiance in schools or have prayer before a football game, then we are all equal. Yet, you have taken away our rights of freedom of religion, speech and assembly.

Why stop there? If we are going to quit doing religious things in public to have everyone be treated equally then let’s call up the top 10% richest people in America and have them share their wealth with the other 90% of us so we can all be equal. Heck, let’s make every sporting event end in a tie so there are no winners or losers, just everyone being equal. I don’t believe when our founding fathers came up with all men are created equal that this is what they had in mind.

A government can not be all things to all people. When it tries, it will overextend itself and frustrate the freedom of its citizens.

On this Fourth of July, let us Christians speak up. Bring our country back to where it was, for what it was founded on. Our freedoms, religious, speech, and others are being taken away by the few. Stand together and let our voices be heard. I will pray that we will be the salt and the light. Will you stand with me?

On this Fourth of July I will pray for our leaders. I will pray for wisdom and discernment for our leaders. I will pray that God will transform the hearts and minds of our citizens. I will pray for our generation and the next. I will pray that we ask God for forgiveness for the decisions we have made. I will pray for peace for our nation. I will pray that God will heal our land.

Proverbs 28:2 When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers, but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.

Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Pledge of Allegiance by Lee Greenwood –

God Bless the U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood –

America by Chris Tomlin –

Heal Our Land by Michael Card –

America by Neil Diamond –

Middle Of America by Will Hoge –

American Pride by Moonshine Bandits –

Answer To No One by Colt Ford –

Freedoms Never Free by Phillips, Craig and Dean –

Pink Houses by John Mellencamp –

Hero by Finding Favour –

Home by Dierks Bentley –

Red White and Blue by Rockie Lynne –

Only In America by Brooks and Dunn –

Two Soldiers Coming Home by Lori McKenna –

It’s America by Rodney Atkins –

American Child by Phil Vassar –

New, forgotten, unknown 7/3/15 – New music Friday

On July 3, 2015July 15, 2015 By roberthansen1317In Christian life, musicLeave a comment

Since I missed last week because of being out of town, I will do a double dose this week. Let me know what you think, do you like some of these bands, have you heard or not heard of them before, etc.. Thanks

Beautiful by Dan Bremnes –

The One We Love by Derek Johnson –

Never Surrender by Like A Storm –

Forgive and Forget by You Me At Six –

Dyin’ To Live by Smallpools –

Bad Dream by The Mowgli’s –

Still Think About You by William Clark Green –

They Don’t Make Them Like They Use To by Will Hoge – I know he has been around awhile but he doesn’t seem to get a lot of radio play, I like almost all his songs